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Last Reviewed: September 11, 2024
Bodyshop Index

In this body shop tip we will show you how to replace the front or rear windshield glass.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 1 1.We will be working on a Ford Mustang but the procedure is the same for most any production antique, vintage or classic car or truck.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 2 2. If you need to take the old glass out the procedure is similar, but in reverse. After the glass is out you need to clean up the channel and make sure the molding retainer clips are reuseable.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 3 3. Notice that the headliner was installed with the window out so it could be rapped around and glued to the channel lip. Be sure to replace any molding clips that are bent or appear weak as they are essential to getting a good tight fit.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 4 4. Here the new glass has been unraped inspected and cleaned. Of course it will be cleaned again when we are done but it is easier to do any necessary scraping or rubbing while it sits on the bench.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 5 5. Whether new or old we prepare the gasket by cleaning it with Prepsol to eliminate silicone and other residue.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 6 6. When we install the gasket we are concerned that it fits "comfortably". If it is too loose it should be replaced and if it is too tight look for interference that can be trimmed away.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 8 7. You need to lubricate the outside of the gasket for ease of installation and we like to use GoJo hand cleaner for this because it is slick and cleans up easily with a damp cloth.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 9 8. Use your finger to apply a generous amount of GoJo everywhere that will make contact with the window channel.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 10 9. It is a two man job to gently set the window on the channel. Now the work begins!
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 11 10. This is a special windshield installation tool that has been shaped to curl under the gasket. You can buy them at local parts or glass stores or you can make one out of an awl or simply a steel rod.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 12 11. Working from inside the vehicle, we put the hook in between the channel and gasket, turn it slightly to put the point in the gasket channel and then pull out gently. When you have a piece of the gasket out you can gradually wiggle the tool around the glass to bring out the rest. You can also do this buy wrapping a small rope around the channel before installation and then pulling it out from the inside.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 13 12. Now give the windshield a few good hard slaps with your hand to seat the gasket, and then wiggle it back and forth slightly to assure it is centered in both directions.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 14 13. The next step is to clean and install the interior molding.
How to replace windshield glass in an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 15 14. And finally we snap on the outside trip pieces.

Jeff Lilly Restorations
11125 F.M.1560 N
San Antonio, Texas
210-695-5151 - www.jefflilly.com